Sir,

Re. last week’s letter ‘Unsporting Behaviour’.

Pembrokeshire County Council was once again delighted to support the Ironman Wales event last weekend. As always, this event attracts large volumes of supporters which places high demand on parking.

In order to manage the event, parking restrictions and road closures are put into place. Advanced warning signage for these restrictions, were put up two weeks prior to the event.

As well as temporary restrictions for the event, permanent restrictions i.e yellow lines are still enforceable.

Although there may be spaces to park on verges, at certain locations, parking restrictions still apply if a yellow line exists. At this location, the yellow lines restrictions, stretch from Marsh Road junction to The Salterns car park and anyone parking along this section could be subject to a parking penalty charge notice.

In order to be consistent, we have to enforce all parking restrictions whether in a wider area or narrow pinch point, as per the traffic order.

We have to be mindful that once one vehicle parks at a location, where a restriction is in force, others follow which in some instances could cause major issues for emergency services to get access.

One car was parked on the pavement close to the town’s ambulance station. This could have caused an obstruction in an emergency situation and also prevent people using the pavement and we cannot allow that to happen.

The parking services team did play a key role over the weekend assisting motorists; however, some people unfortunately did not adhere to the parking restrictions.

It must also be noted that a park and ride facility was set up from Carew to assist with parking requirements.

Since the first event in 2011, Pembrokeshire County Council and the organisers of Ironman have worked closely to provide parking solutions for visitors and spectators and we review this on a regular basis to ensure provisions can be found to keep up with demand.

We would also ask motorists to plan their journey to Tenby on the day of Ironman well in advance.

Clr. Rob Lewis,

Cabinet member for transportation and major events,

Pembrokeshire County Council